The People’s Majlis is the place where the common person’s dreams and aspirations come true through its members, says Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
PM Modi made this statement during his address to the People’s Majlis on Saturday evening.
Highlighting that the parliament is the energy hub where the pulse of the nation resonates through the thoughts and voice of its members, PM Modi stated that Majlis is “not just” a building of bricks and mortar.
He stated that it is no ordinary gathering of assorted people and that parliament is where members who belong to various ideologies converge in order to convert their collective will into lasting achievements for the sake of the country’s democracy, development and peace.
Highlighting that the members do this in the same manner in which Maldivians collectively presented a “glowing example” of democracy in the whole world.
“Although your journey was full of challenges, Maldives showed that it is the people who ultimately win and how it is not an ordinary success. Your achievement is a great source of strength for democracy all over the world” said PM Modi.
In this regard, PM Modi went on to assure that India and its people have always been are and will continue to be with Maldives always, resilient in the cause of strengthening democracy in this “beautiful paradise”.
Highlighting that the election that saw his win for a second term in May, PM Modi stated that the fundamental “mantra” the government of India follows is not merely for India but is also a cornerstone of its foreign policy and approach in the larger world, especially for the neighboring countries.
“Neighborhood first, is our priority and in the neighborhood, Maldives is priority” said PM Modi.
The Indian Prime Minister who arrived in the Maldives on Saturday evening also stressed on the relations between both countries that are older than history itself.
“From time immemorial, blue waters have washed our shores. These waves have been the messengers of friendship between our people. They have also nourished our cultures and civilizations. Our relationship has been blessed with the depth and expanse of oceans" said PM Modi.
Modi also shed light on some of the shared heritage that is inherent between both countries such as music, musical instrument, customs and traditions as well as the Dhivehi language itself which is very similar to Urdu.
For this reason, PM Modi stated that India highly prioritizes maintaining cooperation with Maldives in preserving the cultural heritage, its manuscripts as well as developing dictionary of Dhivehi language. In this regard, PM Modi announced India’s cooperation for conservation of the historical Friday Mosque.
“A coral mosque like this exists nowhere else outside Maldives. This gives a glimpse of their respect for and harmony with nature. Regretfully, the same marine wealth today faces the threat of pollution. Conservation of this mosque will also send a message to the entire world for conservation of our environment” said PM Modi.
In addition, PM Modi highlighted that the Indian government has stood by Maldives, shoulder-to-shoulder “through thick and thin” such as during the great Indian ocean tsunami in 2004.
Also, the Indian PM said that a strong mandate has opened new avenues for cooperation between both countries for development, prosperity and stability.
As such, the Indian government has been greatly encouraging the progress in implementing the economic package of USD 1.4 billion which was agreed during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s visit to India.
“The unalterable focus of India's developmental cooperation with your great country is the social and economic development of the people of Maldives. Water and sanitation in islands, expansion of infrastructure and developing health and educational facilities: India's cooperation will always be for the development of Maldives and according to the requirements and priority of Maldives. Dozens of our Social Impact and other cooperation projects touch the lives of the common people in this country and contribute to your efforts for the betterment of their lives” said PM Modi.
In this regard, PM Modi gave his assurance that the government and people of India will continue to be a reliable, strong and leading partner for democracy and prosperity in the Maldives. He added that the ties between its people are the “life-blood” of the relations between both countries.
While both governments had signed a number of Memorandums of Understanding upon PM Modi’s arrival in capital city Malé, PM Modi expressed his delight in the upcoming new projects such as starting a new ferry service between the two countries.
Shedding light on the many challenges and uncertainties surfacing for the world, PM Modi stressed that although there are many things pertaining to the disruptions caused by technological advancement, terrorism is the biggest challenge in our time.
The Indian PM stated that the challenge is for the whole humankind and not a day goes by when this scourge does not claim an innocent life somewhere.
“Terrorists do not own banks. They don’t have their own mints, nor armament factories. But neither money nor weapons are ever in short supply for them. Where do they get them from? Who provides them the facilities they need? State sponsorship of terrorism is the biggest danger. It is a grave misfortune that even now some people resort to the fallacy of distinguishing between the so-called ‘good’ and ‘bad’ terrorists” said PM Modi.
Also, PM Modi stated that all forces supporting humanity must come together to effectively fight terrorism and that dealing with the dark forces of extremism and radicalization is the “litmus test” for today’s leadership.
“I call upon all global institutions and all leading nations to organize a global conference on terrorism within a stipulated timeframe, so that there can be meaningful and result-oriented discussions for plugging the loopholes that terrorists and their supporters exploit. If we delay action any further, our current and future generations will never forgive us” said PM Modi.
Stressing on the existential threats of melting glaciers and rising sea-levels to countries like Maldives, PM Modi highlighted that Maldives has taken several exemplary initiatives to promote sustainable development like joining the International Solar Alliance.
Further, PM Modi highlighted that India has always paid special attention to the needs and concerns of small island nations and has raised its voice at various global fora, calling for its redressal.
PM Modi further stated that the Indo-Pacific region is an inalienable part of our existence which has been our lifeline, and also the highway for trade and prosperity.
“We will also endeavor to develop the capacity of other countries in the region, to reach out to them in the times of disasters with humanitarian assistance, and work for shared security, prosperity and a bright future for all. A capable, strong and prosperous India will be a robust pillar of peace, development and security not only in South Asia and Indo-Pacific, but in the entire world. We cannot have a more suitable partner than the Maldives in realizing this vision and for cooperating to benefit from the Blue Economy. Because we are maritime neighbors. Because we are friends” said PM Modi.
Stressing that the foundation of a peaceful and prosperous neighborhood rests on trust, good will and cooperation, PM Modi stated that it is important to be sensitive to each other’s concerns and interests.
“’Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’ is both our philosophy and policy. It means that the whole world is but one family. The greatest man of our age, Mahatma Gandhi had said “There is no limit to extending our services to our neighbors” said PM Modi.
PM Modi went on to state that the India’s development partnerships are to empower people and not to weaken them nor to enhance their dependence on India.
In conclusion, he stated that today, both countries had the opportunity to set an ideal for the world of being good neighbors and friends This is a time of complex transitions, full of challenges, to set an ideal for the world of being good neighbors and friends to defeat terrorism, to keep the forces that nurture terrorism and extremism away from our shores as well as to bring about necessary changes for a healthy and clean environment.
“India is firmly resolved to cooperate fully in these efforts, and also to deepen its invaluable friendship with Maldives. I reiterate to you this solemn pledge today. I thank you once again for the privilege you accorded to me to be amongst you and the honour that you bestowed on me. I thank you for your friendship” said PM Modi.
Following his speech, Parliament Speaker and former President, Mohamed Nasheed, expressed his confidence that PM Modi’s visit will raise the relationship between Maldives and India and two legislatures to higher levels for the mutual benefit of the people on both sides.
During the parliament sitting held in the Indian PM’s honour, Speaker Nasheed also gifted PM Modi a copy of Maldives first constitution, as a token of appreciation for India’s kindness towards the Maldives.
